December 2, 2011

Sunday's Mock Caldecott to select best picture books of 2011

Which picture books pubished in 2011 deserve recognition for their use of color, perspective, white space, original illustrations and words?

On Sunday, the department of English and the Manhattan Public Library join forces to answer this question with a Mock Caldecott. The event is in advance of the Caldecott Award announcement in January by the American Library Association.

The Mock Caldecott will take place from 1-4 p.m. at the Manhattan Public Library. Selected picture books will be available for review from 1-2 p.m. A brief presentation at 2 p.m. willl explain the criteria for the award, followed by discussion and a vote to determine this year's winner.

"Each year, thousands of picture books are published, and we'll be looking some of best," said Philip Nel, professor of English and director of the program in children's literature. "It's art. It's narrative. It's fun."